Risk factors for postoperative wound infection in obstetrics and gynecology patients in a low resource setting: a cross-sectional study

Aim In this study, we aimed to identify common risk factors for postoperative wound infection among patients in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at AOGTH in Gezira State, Sudan, from February 2017 to July 2017. The study sample consisted of 131 women who developed postoperative wound infection after obstetrics and gynecological operations. Wound swabs and cultures were obtained from all patients, in addition to interviews using a structured questionnaire completed by participants after informed consent was obtained. Results The total number of postoperative wound infection cases was 131 out of 1543 (8.5%). 101 cases (77.1%) were obstetrical, and 30 (22.9%) were gynecological. This study revealed that the number of wound infections after emergency operations was 71 (54.2%), compared with 60 (45.8%) after electively performed operations. It also showed 65 cases (49.6%) weighing >80 kg and 64 (48.8%) weighing <60 kg. Forty-eight out of 201 (23.9%) cases were diabetic, and a history of previous operations was found in 78 (59.5%) patients. Wound infection was diagnosed in 125 of 1510 (8.3%) cases that received preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, compared with 6 of 33 (18.2%) who did not. Conclusion The SSI rate increases in both overweight and underweight women, in emergency operations, in diabetic patients, and in the absence of preoperative prophylaxis antibiotic therapy. However, the length of operation does not affect the SSI rate.